9 Ways To Get a Great Elliptical Workout (Plus 4 Elliptical Workouts)

April 1, 2021

Best Ellipticals, Workouts

The elliptical machine is a common sight in homes and gyms around the world. It’s simple to use and can be less stressful on your back, knees, and hips than other machines. However, many people don’t maximize the potential of these versatile machines. When properly used, an elliptical workout is a great all-around training method. And we’re here to share our elliptical tips to the masses to make sure you’re taking full advantage of your elliptical and workouts.

9 Tips for Getting a Great Elliptical Workout Every Time

If you want to make every workout on an elliptical your opportunity to move closer to your ultimate health and fitness goals, try incorporating these 9 strategies into your routine.

Elliptical Tip #1 – Set A Workout Plan

It’s easy to just step onto your elliptical and start moving. However, taking the time to establish an elliptical workout plan gives you a strategy and goal to work towards. Determine what intensity you are aiming for, how you plan to achieve it, and how you will monitor exertion to ensure you stay on the right track to improvement.

A great tool to not only use to set a workout plan but to also give you the right tools and professional guidance to achieve your goals is iFIT®. This interactive training program acts as your personal trainer, your travel guide, your stat tracker, and your motivational tool to keep you going each and every day. You can even take it on the road with you wherever you go thanks to the iFIT TV app, so you never skip a beat in your training.

Elliptical Tip #2 – Invest In A Quality Elliptical

There are different levels of exercise equipment from simple and cheap to complex and expensive. When it comes to ellipticals, you want one that can handle daily use and that comes with features that’ll assist you on your fitness journey and make it an enjoyable one.

The NordicTrack FS14i fits the bill nicely. Its 14-inch Smart HD Touchscreen and Bluetooth® connectivity make it convenient, easy to use, and entertaining. Including a one-year iFIT membership that comes with your purchase, which gives you access to iFIT’s superior support and training. Did we happen to mention that the FS14i also acts as a stepper and a treadmill? You’re basically getting three machines in one!

Elliptical Tip #3 – Use The Elliptical Incline To Sculpt The Lower Body

Any elliptical workout gets your lower body moving, but to intensify your workout and maximize your calorie burn it’s a good idea to utilize the incline feature on your elliptical. Doing so will enhance your heart rate, burn more calories, and activate your hamstrings and gluteal muscles even more.

Elliptical Tip #4 – Work Your Upper Body With The Elliptical Handlebars

Adding in more upper-body power to grip the handlebars and move in the motion of your elliptical will provide you more of a balanced workout. Additionally, using the elliptical handlebars forces your arms, back, and chest muscles to work harder. The more muscles you’re forcing to work, the more calories you’re going to burn.

Elliptical Tip #5 – Maintain Proper Form

Proper form is crucial for any workout, no matter what machine you’re on. For your next elliptical workout, keep these proper form tips in mind:

Stand up straight with shoulders back
Keep abdominal muscles tight
Keep your feet flat on the pedals
Avoid leaning on the handles

Elliptical Tip #6 – Keep Your Core Active

Activate your core muscles to maintain an upright posture throughout your workout. This is especially important as you start making workouts more challenging. For a quick check of the core muscles, hop off the machine and hold a plank for 30 seconds.

Elliptical Tip #7 – Bump The Intensity Up

The higher your intensity setting, the harder you have to work. That means more calories burned, so make every workout count with adding some intensity.

Elliptical Tip #8 – Hit Reverse

Pedaling in reverse can challenge your legs in a whole new way. Start on a low resistance level and work your way up as the hamstrings and glutes get stronger.

Elliptical Tip #9 – Vary Your Workouts

Vary your intensity and workout selection with different elliptical workouts. Not only will different workouts keep your sessions challenging, it will prevent you from getting bored with your workouts. In turn, motivating you to continue on with a regular workout routine. Additionally, failing to switch up your workouts can prevent you from improving your fitness level.

Here are 4 amazing iFIT elliptical workouts that were filmed all over the world to bring you challenging, yet fascinating, workout experiences that you won’t find anywhere else:

iFIT Elliptical Workout #1 – Mount Fuji Hiking Series with Ashley Paulson

Elliptical Workout For Beginners – Elliptical.com

In this 7-part hike, you’ll travel with Ashley Paulson from the Subaru Line 5th Station to the summit of Mount Fuji in Japan. As you conquer the “Goddess of Fire,” you’ll tackle switchbacks, climb over lava rocks, and walk through the clouds.

iFIT Elliptical Workout #2: Level Up Bootcamp Series with Jonnie Gale

This 4-week program is created with the intent to help push you a little harder in order to improve cardio-muscular endurance. Jonnie Gale’s 16 workouts will consist of endurance intervals, short high-intensity (HIIT) intervals, and laddering workouts. This will help your body adapt to increased workloads. Workouts for this program range from 30-35 minutes for longer intervals and 20-25 minutes for your HIIT workouts. You will progress through this program as intensity levels rise and rest time decreases.

iFIT Elliptical Workout #3: Adriatic Sea Interval Series with Kelsey Sheahan

iFit Elliptical Workout – Elliptical.com

iFIT trainer, Kelsey Sheahan, will coach you through 16 intermediate workouts designed to help you increase your endurance and overall fitness. Each week will consist of a tempo, speed, strength, and recovery run—all along the stunning Dalmatian Coast. You’ll explore the incredible seaside towns of Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, the historic town of Mostar in Bosnia, and the beautiful bay of Kotor in Montenegro.

iFIT Elliptical Workout #4: Next Level Series with Gideon Akande

30 Minutes On The Elliptical – Elliptical.com

In this 3-week advanced program, Gideon Akande will challenge your limits with a variety of workouts, ranging from 20–35 minutes long. With 5 workouts per week, you’ll perform a mix of intervals, climbing ladders, HIIT work, and total-body cross-training.

Conclusion

Now is the time to take your elliptical training to the next level. With our tips and tricks, you can maximize your elliptical workouts on the best ellipticals to reach your health and fitness goals. If you’re in the market of purchasing an elliptical or upgrading the one you currently have at home, see our comprehensive elliptical buying guide to find your preferred elliptical type and elliptical features to look for.